Every year there are dozens of grain bin accidents reported across the Corn Belt, with far too many ending in fatalities.

GROWMARK grain systems operations manager Randy Holthaus says the harvest season is an especially dangerous time on the farm around grain bins. “During the harvest, with the need to get it in and get it done, people get in a hurry and work long hours,” he said. “They’re running non-stop to get the crop out so fatigue plays in as well.”

Randy says they recommend that growers never enter a grain bin if at all possible, but realistically he knows there are times when it might be necessary. “Don’t get into the bin unless you lock out the power and make sure someone knows you are getting in to the bin,” he says, adding that the person on the outside should ideally be able to observe you getting in and out and have a rescue line tied to you.

The biggest hazards often occur when someone gets trapped in a bin and another person automatically tries to help. “The first reaction of family members or co-workers is to get in the bin to help,” which Randy says often results in making a bad situation worse by sending grain cascading on the victim and totally engulfing them. “Getting into the bin with a victim is twice as bad because you are not only endangering yourself but you may be creating a bigger problem for the person in the bin.”

The buddy on the outside should instead make sure the power is shut off, call 911 and possibly try to get a line thrown to the victim if that can be done safely. “The main thing is, you need professional help,” he stresses.

Bottom line – be alert, be aware and just be careful out there!

Listen to or download my interview with Randy here: Randy Holthaus Interview